Learning & Teaching
NAPLAN update for Families
NAPLAN is coming up soon, and we’d like to share how we approach this at St. Luke’s.
The NAPLAN window will run from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March for students in Years 3 and 5 across Australia. Ideally, we would complete the assessments during the first three days, but with Year 5s at camp from 16th – 18th March, we may need a “catch up” day or two when they return.
NAPLAN provides a brief snapshot of where each child is in their literacy and numeracy development on a particular day. It is not a test of everything they know, nor does it capture the full picture of their learning, growth, or potential.
Our teaching programs, including our use of Ochre Education resources, are designed so that learning builds steadily over time. Each lesson adds to the knowledge and skills students develop across the year, meaning they are regularly engaging with the kinds of reading, writing, and numeracy thinking that NAPLAN draws on. This natural, ongoing learning prepares students—not extra practice or high‑pressure revision.
Alongside this, St. Luke’s uses a wide range of assessments throughout the year to understand student progress. These include classroom tasks, teacher observations, writing samples, reading checks, vocabulary and oral language assessments, PAT (Progressive Assessment Test) data, numeracy assessments, and ongoing snapshots available through SIMON. CESL also provides a suite of benchmark assessments used across Sandhurst primary schools at strategic times of the year. These tools help teachers and the learner inclusion team make adjustments so each child can reach their full potential. Together, they provide a much richer picture of student learning than any single assessment can.
At school, students have opportunities to become familiar with the online platform and the types of questions they may encounter. We take a calm and supportive approach and encourage families to treat NAPLAN days like any other school day. To help students be in the best position for success, we ask that they arrive at school on time, are well rested, and have had a nourishing breakfast. A settled morning routine and reassurance to simply try their best goes a long way. Student wellbeing remains our priority.
Later in the year, families will receive their child’s NAPLAN report. While these results help us identify patterns of learning and guide future teaching, they sit alongside the ongoing evidence we gather every day in classrooms. Together, these pieces help us understand each child’s progress and how we can continue to support their learning.
We are proud of the effort our students bring to their learning each day, and NAPLAN is just one small moment in that bigger journey.
Thank you for your support during the NAPLAN period.
Eloise Liddell & Rosy Finn
Library News
The first Issue of the Scholastic Book Club was such a success, we earned $130 in reward dollars! The second issue sounds equally exciting with the added incentive of a $5 promo code for orders over $19.50. It’s a great opportunity to explore the wonderful Easter-themed books available this time around.
If you are interested in ordering as a gift, you can select the GIFT option and have it securely held in the office for collection. Happy reading and shopping! If you have any questions or need assistance with your order, feel free to ask!
Please remember that all payments must be made online through Loop. You can make payments by visiting scholastic.com.au/LOOP or by downloading the LOOP app.
Book Club Issue 2 orders will close on 18th MARCH 2026.
Overdue books
We have a few overdue library books that need to be returned as soon as possible. Our shelves are full of eager new titles waiting for the next little readers, so we’d love to have these books back soon.
Thank you for your help in keeping our library running smoothly!
